Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog

I wanted to share with your some information about recent sales trends thus far in 2012. So far this year, we have seen more single-family homes and estates sold than for the same three month period in the past seven years. While some may say that is due to falling home prices, the data shows that both average and median home prices are actually up about 1% over last year. Regardless, buyers continue to place offers: the number of properties entering escrow is up 52%! As a result, the number of homes that have closed escrow are up 35% over the same period last year.

Santa Barbara Homes | Zia Group Real Estate

And the same holds true for condominiums. There have been more condos sold the first three months of this year than in those same months of the past five years. The number of condos that have entered escrow is up an incredible 130% over these three months last year! Condos closing escrow are up 38% over those same months of last year.

Santa Barbara Homes | Zia Group Real Estate

It’s a fantastic time to buy a home here in Santa Barbara with the low real estate prices, motivated sellers, and incredibly low interest rates. Do you have specific questions about the Santa Barbara real estate market and the Santa Barbara homes for sale? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track Santa Barbara homes for sale at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners around the South Coast are buzzing about this new and innovative work space located blocks from the ocean. Many Zia Group clients and blog readers come from places in the start-up world, so we want to introduce you to Synergy Business & Technology Center (www.SynergyBTC.com), a collaborative work place environment with shared conference, meeting, working, kitchen, bathroom and assembly facilities.

SYNERGY - Santa Barbara, CA

Synergy is located just two short blocks from the ocean at 1 North Calle Cesar Chavez (Suite 102) and is sure to become the best incubator for new ventures in Santa Barbara.

The facility’s mission is to bring innovative teams together to achieve exceptional results, and Synergy is poised to do that by combining people, perks and positive spaces. Synergy also offers monthly networking sessions which link Synergy team members to other entrepreneurs and allow them to introduce their companies to other complimentary business leaders, including some of the best and brightest web consultants, marketing experts and venture capitalists.  The perks of leasing with Synergy include stand-up paddle boards, E-Bikes and lots of recreational toys, not to mention the fantastic interior plan, which you can preview by visiting their website.

Anyone interested in seeing the office space in person can visit the Open House on Tuesday (April 3^rd) from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with a ribbon cutting scheduled around 5:30PM.

For more information, visit Synergy’s website, or articles Noozhawk, Pacific Coast Business Times and KCOY (video).

Terms are flexible and affordable starting at $500 per month for open work desk areas and $750 per month for semi-private work spaces. If anyone is interested in leasing space they can email Synergy at info@synergybtc.com.

The Zia Group has recently brought this charming three bedroom, two bathroom craftsman home onto the market. Listed at $749,000, this home is located in a prime upper Westside location, close to Cottage Hospital, shops like Trader Joe’s, and everything State Street has to offer. The home has been recently renovated, with restored wood floors, new kitchen and baths, even new electrical. A fireplace in the living room and built-in cabinets in the living room and dining room are some of the home’s stand out features. A large, private yard surrounds the home and includes new landscaping. Additionally, this home has appropriate zoning to be used as an office, offering the possibility of a live/work scenario, and as such, includes five off-street parking places.

2229 De La Vina | Presented by Zia Group Real Estate

2229 De La Vina | Presented by Zia Group Real Estate

2229 De La Vina | Presented by Zia Group Real Estate

2229 De La Vina | Presented by Zia Group Real Estate

Please contact Daniel Zia, your Santa Barbara real estate agent, if you have any further questions about the Santa Barbara real estate market or this Santa Barbara home. 805-637-7148 or Daniel@theZiaGroup.com. Daniel and the rest of the Zia Group team are ready to assist you in your search for the perfect Santa Barbara estate. You may also visit our website www.theziagroup.com for detailed information on Santa Barbara neighborhoods, as well as many valuable resources. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog.

For many military members, achieving homeownership is still a part of the American dream in which they strive to obtain, and for most of them, the VA Home Loan program is the best lending option available. Unfortunately, however, most veterans and active duty service members don’t know much about the program in spite of it having served over 19 million military members for nearly 70 years.

In fact, out of the 25 million veterans eligible for the VA home loan, less than 13 percent have actually used them partly because they believe that they wouldn’t qualify for the program. So if you have a military member in your life, consider mentioning the program to them.

VA Home Loan Program

The Perks of the Program

The conventional lending market has become much more strict in the wake of the housing crisis making it nearly impossible for some to purchase a home. The VA home loan program is partially backed by the U.S. government, which allows the program to provide affordable and accessible lending options in addition to perks that can’t be found with conventional lending. Such benefits of the VA Home Loan program include:

- High loan limits

- No down payment required

- No Private Mortgage Insurance

- No penalties for pre-payment

What You Should Know

Most veterans who are aware of the VA home loan program do know of the money saving perks such as no private mortgage insurance; however, there are other loan specifics that many aren’t aware of. Additional, and commonly unknown information, which is highly beneficial to know include:

- Only Primary Residences Allowed. In order for a lender to qualify for a VA home loan, they need to be purchasing a single family home that will serve as a primary residence. Properties being purchased to serve a dual purpose such as a retail business and residence or bed and breakfast and residence will not qualify.

- You Can Use it More than Once. As long as your loan is paid off, military members can use a VA home loan or VA refinance as many times as they would like.

- There Is a Funding Fee. Although there is no down payment, the VA home loan does require a funding fee which is generally 2 percent of the home loan amount.

- Bankruptcy and Foreclosure is Okay. Even those with imperfect employment, income, and credit histories have been approved for a loan in the past. So even if a veteran has had to file for bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past, as long as they have proven responsible spending habits since, they may still be approved.

If you have any veterans in your life wishing to purchase a home, make sure they know about the VA Home Loan program. Although the VA home loan may not be the best option for all veterans, they should still know about the program so it does remain an option. If you or a military member you know has any questions regarding the VA home loan, contact a VA home loan specialist.

Special thanks to Kevin Pearia, a mortgage commentator for Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s leading dedicated provider of VA home loans, for contributing to this blog post.

If you have friends or family who could benefit from veterans home ownership, start the search using Zia Group’s free Santa Barbara MLS search tool today. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog, your Santa Barbara Real Estate Resource.

For home buyers interested in Santa Barbara listings on the beautiful Mesa of Santa Barbara, here is the market update for November 2011:

Closed Mesa Homes:  During the month of November, 6 Santa Barbara listings on the Mesa closed ranging in price from $637,000 to $1,850,000.  This Mesa home is one of Santa Barbara listings that came on the market over a year ago at $2,295,000 and sold during November at $1,850,000.  The large gourmet kitchen is complete with a Dacor stove and oven, Bosch washer, walk-in pantry, while french doors open from the living room to the patio of this home on a quiet Mesa cul-de-sac.
Search all current Mesa Santa Barbara homes with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website using our free MLS search tool.

Santa Barbara Properties | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Santa Barbara Properties | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Active Mesa Homes:  During the month of November, 8 Santa Barbara properties on the Mesa came on the market.  These homes range in price from $299,00 to $1,357,000.  Though activity for Santa Barbara properties often takes a break around the holidays, that did not stop these unique and fabulous Santa Barbara properites from coming on the market including this 5 bedroom Mesa home in prime location with Elings Park at the end of the street.  This Mesa home is approximately 3,000 square feet with a master apartment over the garage and serene yet invigorating ocean views, quite large in comparison with the other Santa Barbara properties currently available.

Search all current Mesa Santa Barbara homes with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website using our free MLS search tool.

Santa Barbara Properties | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtor

Santa Barbara Properties | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Do you have specific questions about any Santa Barbara listings on the Santa Barbara Mesa? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track a specific Hope Ranch Santa Barbara Estate another Santa Barbara properties at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

The Santa Barbara Mesa draws home buyers for multiple reasons, including ocean access, Shoreline Park, and the best weather patterns in all of Santa Barbara. The Mesa is split between relatively flat and hillside parcels, with many hillside homes on a gradual grade that provides stunning ocean views. All Mesa homeowners have immediate access to Shoreline Park, an approximately 15-acre bluff sitting above the Pacific Ocean. Finally, records show that winter temperatures are 10 to 12 degrees warmer than downtown Santa Barbara, and 10 to 12 degrees cooler in the summer.

The Mesa has seen plenty of activity over the past 12 months, with multiple Mesa REOs (featured on the Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog) coming onto the market at below-market prices.

For those home buyers looking at Santa Barbara ranches located in the beautiful enclave of Hope Ranch in Santa Barbara, here is the market update for November 2011.

Closed Hope Ranch Home: During the month of November, one Santa Barbara ranches closed in Hope Ranch at $7,800,000, originally listed at $9,950,000. Located at 4439 Via Abrigada on almost three acres, this six bedroom contemporary home is one of the Santa Barbara ranches that offers all the beauty of Santa Barbara living with ocean and Channel Island views, panoramic mountain views but also has an infinity pool, lighted tennis and basketball court, horse corral within a gated privacy.
Search all current Santa Barbara ranches in Hope Ranch with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website using our free MLS search tool.

Santa Barbara Ranches | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Santa Barbara Ranches | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Santa Barbara Ranches | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtors

Active Hope Ranch Homes: Since November 1st, five Hope Ranch Estates have come on the Santa Barbara Real Estate Market.  This month the stunning one contemporary Mediterranean Santa Barbara ranches that located in Hope Ranch came on the market.  It is located at 485 Via Hierba has come on the market.  This beautiful is one of the few Santa Barbara ranches in Hope Ranch that is timeless with panoramic views overlooking La Cumbre Country Club, the golf course and the lake can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.  Among the Santa Barbara ranches on the market in a variety of price ranches, this comes on the Santa Barbara Real Estate market for a very distinct buyer at $2,695,000.
Search all current Santa Barbara ranches in Hope Ranch with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website using our free MLS search tool.

Santa Barbara Ranches | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtor

Santa Barbara Ranches | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtor

Hope Ranch Santa Barbara is an exclusive enclave of homes near the beach that also offers close proximity to downtown and shopping and dining. There are roughly 500 homes, all of which have larger parcel sizes, most of which are over 1 acre. The homes are nestled into the landscaping and miles and miles of horse trails in such a way that you achieve maximum privacy while still having somewhat of a connected feel to the rest of the community. There is also a stunning golf course, clubhouse, and a private beach and park for the neighborhood, as well. Properties sell for $1,400,000 to $40,000,000, and not a single property has sold for less than that in the last handful of years, even the smaller lots and houses on busier parts of the neighborhood. Many Hope Ranch home buyers purchase the home for the “lot” value alone, while others purchase to obtain the many charming features and extensive remodeling.

Do you have specific questions about any of the Santa Barbara ranches in Hope Ranch on the Santa Barbara real estate market? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track any Santa Barbara ranches or a specific Santa Barbara property at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

For prospective home buyers interested in downtown houses for sale in Santa Barbara, here is the Downtown Santa Barbara real estate market update for September through November 2011.

Closed Downtown Homes: During the months of September through November 2011, 35 downtown Santa Barbara homes closed, ranging in price from $312,943 to $1,997,000.  There are some remarkable deals on houses for sale in Santa Barbara, and these priced to sell Santa Barbara homes come on the market all the time.  Among the many houses for sale in Santa Barbara during October, this charming home stood out on a large lot with just a short walk to Downtown Santa Barbara. Located at 2510 Chapala Street, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath came on the market at $970,000 and sold for $980,000.

Click HERE to view all 35 Downtown houses for sale in Santa Barbara that closed between September and November.

Houses for Sale in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Houses for Sale in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Active Downtown Santa Barbara Homes: There are currently 56 downtown houses for sale in Santa Barbara, ranging in price from $325,000 to $4,750,000. Coming on the market just this week is this solar powered house for sale in Santa Barbara. The  town home listing features a contemporary Spanish style and has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms ($399,990.00)

Click HERE to view the MLS listing information and photographs on these houses for sale in Santa Barbara.

Houses for Sale in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Houses for Sale in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Downtown Santa Barbara is for the Santa Barbara buyer looking for accessibility. The Westside and Lower Eastside border State Street in downtown Santa Barbara and provide some of the best values in all of Santa Barbara, especially for investors looking for multi-family and mixed-used property. Residents of both areas have immediate access to multiple beaches, the wharf, downtown dining and shopping, the freeway, and more. Additionally, they are just minutes away from Goleta (10-15 minutes) to the north and Montecito to the south (5 minutes). Many single family and mutli-family homes in Downtown Santa Barbara have been featured on the Santa Barbara Real Estate Blog because of the extraordinary values we find in the Westside and Lower Eastside.

Downtown Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Do you have specific questions about any Downtown Santa Barbara home on the Santa Barbara real estate market? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track a specific downtown Santa Barbara home another Santa Barbara properties at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

For prospective buyers looking into the homes in Santa Barbara on the Upper Eastside, here is the market update for October and November 2011.

Closed Upper Eastside Homes: During the months of October and November, three homes in Santa Barbara on the Upper Eastside closed, ranging in price from $405,000 to $867,000.  This home in Santa Barbara located off Garden Street and Arrellaga was originally listed at $979,000 and sold for $867,000.  Located just a few steps from Alice Keck Park, this lovely home was on the Santa Barbara real estate market for just under two months before going under contract.

Click HERE to view full Santa Barbara MLS listing details and photographs on this home in Santa Barbara as well as the other two Upper Eastside homes that closed during October and November 2011.

Homes in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Homes in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Active Upper Eastside Homes: There are currently eleven homes in Santa Barbara on the Upper Eastside that are on the Santa Barbara Real Estate Market, ranging in price from $549,950 to $3,700,000.  Located at 15 E. Islay Street, this free-standing condo is one of five bungalows and is a lovely home in Santa Barbara conveniently located near State Street in a quiet 20th century architecture with modern amenities.  This home on Islay is complete with a private patio, gardens, custom cabinetry, custom tile, a gourmet kitchen and cozy and ample indoor and outdoor living spaces.  Initially coming on the market at $749,950 this Upper Eastside home in Santa Barbara is now priced at $699,950.

Click HERE to view full Santa Barbara MLS listing details and photographs on this home in Santa Barbara as well as the other ten homes currently active in the Upper Eastside neighborhoods.

Homes in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Homes in Santa Barbara | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtors

Do you have specific questions about any homes in Santa Barbara, or specifically in the Upper Eastside on the Santa Barbara real estate market? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track specific homes in Santa Barbara and other Santa Barbara properties at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

For prospective Santa Barbara home buyers interested in homes in Santa Barbara the San Roque neighborhood, here is the current market update for November 2011.

Closed San Roque Homes in Santa Barbara: During the month of November, 4 San Roque homes closed ranging in price from $255,000 to $750,000.  The charming Santa Barbara home located at 620 E. Alamar came on the market at $715,000 in January and closed in November for $625,000.  As many know who have researched the homes in Santa Barbara, the fact that this home is located in the highly esteemed and coveted Peabody school district distinguishes it even more so.  The homes in Santa Barbara has continued to bring properties like this one onto the market, that are charming yet priced for quick sale.

Click HERE to view the full Santa Barbara MLS listing details and photographs of the newly closed San Roque pieces of homes in Santa Barbara.

Real Estate in Santa Barbara | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtor

Active San Roque Homes in Santa Barbara:  San Roque homes in Santa Barbara boast 6 newly listed Santa Barbara homes during the month of November ranging in price from $499,700 to $937,500.  Throughout the homes in Santa Barbara, there is variance in styles and style fusions and this San Roque ranch style home located just blocks from Monte Vista School is exceptionally remodeled with hand crafted alder wood windows, doors, cabinetry and closets and is a uniquely beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath Santa Barbara home.

Search all current homes in Santa Barbara in Hope Ranch with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website using our free MLS search tool.

Homes in Santa Barbara | Presented by Santa Barbara Realtor

Do you have specific questions about any of the homes in Santa Barbara in San Roque on the Santa Barbara real estate market? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track any homes in Santa Barbara or any other Santa Barbara property at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

San Roque Santa Barbara consistently draws the most interest from Santa Barbara home buyers. Quality-built homes, family friendly streets, and convenient access to excellent shopping and dining make it an ideal location for many. Residents enjoy close proximity to downtown Santa Barbara (approximately 5 minutes) but without the noise, traffic, and parking issues.

Few residential neighborhoods of Santa Barbara can boast the rich historical background of the San Roque. Now a built-up, economically stabilized suburb, it is admired for its sweeping curved streets, its luxuriant landscaping, and its harmonious blend of many architectural themes (Spanish Colonial, English Tudor, French Normandy, California Redwood, Italianate and American Colonial), mostly built since 1925. Only half built up by 1940, the San Roque district filled in most of its home sites between 1955 and 1965. (San Roque History by Walker A. Tomkin)

As your local Santa Barbara Realtor, here is the Real Estate Market Update for October for prospective Santa Barbara home buyers interested in Goleta homes.

Closed Goleta Homes:  During the month of October, 33 Goleta homes closed ranging in price from $205,000 to $895,000.  This Goleta home located at 5133 Walnut Park Drive went under contract within 9 days of coming on the market.  This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,687 square foot home is located on a cul-de-sac near Foothill School.  This Goleta home has an updated kitchen and bath as well as vaulted ceilings, skylights and new sliding glass doors.  Coming on the market at $749,000, this Santa Barbara home closed at $750,000.  As your local Santa Barbara Realtor this is an example of a well priced turn-key home that will never last long on the Santa Barbara Real Estate Market.

Search all current Goleta listings with our free MLS search tool on our Santa Barbara website.

Goleta Home | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtor

Goleta Home | Presented by: Santa Barbara Realtor

Active Goleta Homes: During the month of Octboer, 55 new Goleta homes came on the market ranging in price from $99,900 to $84,000,000.  Of these homes, a spectacular deal has come on the market located at 12 Baker Lane, a turn-key and priced to sell at $969,000.  This 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 5,222 square foot home built in 1999 is a custom new construction and one you won’t want to miss.  As a Santa Barbara Realtor, keeping a close watch on these REO homes and relating the details to you is a priority in serving the needs of Santa Barbara home buyers.

The link for this data has been removed, but you can search all current Goleta listings with our free MLS tool on our Santa Barbara website.

Goleta Home | Santa Barbara Realtor

Goleta Home | Santa Barbara Realtor

Do you have specific questions about any Santa Barbara home in Goleta on the Santa Barbara real estate market? Contact Daniel Zia and the Zia Group team by email (Daniel@ZiaGroup.com), phone (805-637-7148), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the Santa Barbara MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track a specific downtown Santa Barbara homes another Santa Barbara properties at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the Santa Barbara Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

Goleta Home | Santa Barbara Realtor

The city of Goleta is located directly north of Santa Barbara and is a popular alternative for purchasing a home to downtown Santa Barbara. Good schools, larger homes, an excellent business community, and relatively close proximity to downtown Santa Barbara make Goleta a draw for a variety of homebuyers. Goleta homebuyers tend to receive more house (interior square footage, larger backyards, easier parking) for their dollar as compared to living downtown. Find more information on the City of Goleta’s website here.